AEWV Visa (Accredited Employer Work Visa) is one of the most common work visa categories in New Zealand for foreign workers sponsored by accredited employers. One of the biggest concerns for visa holders is:
“Can I bring my spouse and children to New Zealand?”
The answer is yes, but with specific conditions. This article will help you understand the family sponsorship rules under the AEWV visa, ensuring your relocation plan with loved ones is well-prepared and legally compliant.
1. Who Can Be Sponsored Under the AEWV Visa?
If you hold an AEWV Visa, you can sponsor immediate family members, including:
- Spouse or legally recognized partner
- Biological or adopted dependent children (under 24 years old, unmarried, financially dependent)
2. Family Visa Options Available
Depending on your circumstances, your family members may apply for:
- Partner of a Worker Work Visa: Allows your spouse to work in New Zealand.
- Partner of a Worker Visitor Visa: Allows your spouse to stay but not work.
- Dependent Child Student Visa: Enables children to attend public schools for free.
- Dependent Child Visitor Visa: If the child is not studying full-time.
3. Conditions to Sponsor Family Members
To successfully sponsor family to New Zealand under an AEWV, you must meet:
- Minimum income: At least equal to or above the government-set median wage at the time of application (currently NZD 29.66/hour – as of July 2025).
- Sufficient visa validity: Your AEWV must have enough remaining time (usually at least 12 months).
- Legitimate relationship: Provide proof of marriage, children’s birth certificates, shared living arrangements, etc.
- Clear background checks: Both you and your family members must meet health and character requirements with no immigration violations.
3.1 If your job is on the Green List
- You can support:
- Visitor visa for spouse
- Visitor visa for dependent children
- Student visa for dependent children
- If you earn NZD 33.56/hour or more, you can support:
- Work visa for your spouse
>>>>> What is “Green list”?
3.2 If you earn NZD 50.34/hour or more
With this high wage (1.5 times the median wage), you can support:
- Work visa for spouse
- Visitor visa for spouse
- Student visa for children
- Visitor visa for children
3.3 If your job is ANZSCO skill level 1, 2, or 3
If you earn NZD 26.85/hour or more (80% of median wage), you can support:
- Work visa for spouse
- Visitor visa for spouse
If you earn NZD 55,844/year or more, you can support:
- Student visa for children
- Visitor visa for children
4. If your occupation is ANZSCO level 4 or 5
- If you earn NZD 47.41/hour (1.5x 2023 median wage), you can support:
- Visitor visa for spouse and children
- Student visa for children
- Visitor visa for spouse and children
- If you earn NZD 50.34/hour (1.5x 2024 median wage), you can support:
- Work visa for spouse
- Visitor visa for spouse
- Student visa for children
- Visitor visa for children
5. Processing Time and Procedure
- Processing usually takes 2–4 weeks for complete applications.
- Submit applications at the same time or after the AEWV approval.
- Priority processing for Green List occupations or high-income applicants.
6. Important Notes When Sponsoring Family
- AEWV does not automatically allow family accompaniment; separate applications are required.
- If you earn below the median wage, you cannot sponsor your family.
- Sponsored members must provide personal documents and clear background checks.
Conclusion: Preparing to Bring Your Family with AEWV
The AEWV offers an excellent opportunity to work in New Zealand, and if you meet the requirements, you can live with your family. However, the sponsorship process has clear conditions related to income, relationship, and visa status.
To improve your success rate, prepare your application thoroughly or contact Koroo – a trusted visa service provider for transparent, fast, and lawful family sponsorship solutions.
